The Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board on Nov. 10 received an update about the EcoRover beach wheelchair and a range of operational accessibility issues across Sarasota.

Staff said the EcoRover suffered a sheared power connector in October; the connector is integrated with the unit's battery-charging system and not a simple replaceable cable. After procurement delays created by formal purchasing procedures, the unit was scheduled for pickup and repair the afternoon of the meeting. Staff said they will contact the general manager of purchasing directly on ADA-related repairs going forward to obtain priority handling.

Regarding safety and emergency procedures, staff said if an EcoRover stops while carrying a passenger the emergency response is to transfer the rider to a manual beach chair rather than leave anyone stranded in the sand. "That way, we're not leaving anyone stranded in the sand," staff said.

Board members asked how breakdowns would be handled; staff described the manual-transfer approach and said the EcoRover maintenance budget includes funds for the current repair and roughly $1,500 remaining for other repairs.

Staff reported several related accessibility updates: engineering enforced sidewalk-café table placement after a complaint and agreed future sidewalk-café permits will include to-scale layouts to make enforcement clearer; building department staff are investigating damaged curb ramps allegedly caused by construction vehicles; and Veo (micromobility provider) uses geofences to prevent parking in certain zones and is working with ADA advocates to add fall-detection and a device that can attach to a standard wheelchair in other markets.

The board also reviewed a media report quoting board member Andrew Pacarella, a wheelchair user, describing difficulties with City Hall annex and trailer bathrooms that complicate transfers and handwashing. Pacarella told a reporter, "They're not really getting how important this is to get it done. People need to be able to go to the bathroom. You need your privacy." Staff said they will measure the trailer stall and discuss replacement or adjustments with facilities if the December project completion does not resolve the issues.

Ending: Staff asked the board to report sidewalk and vegetation issues, and staff will follow up with relevant departments on curb ramps, Veo scooter placement, and EcoRover maintenance timelines.